Use a microwave instead of an oven.

Almost everyone has a microwave in their home. Whenever possible, choose to use this instead of using your gas or electric oven.

Microwave ovens have better cooking efficiency than gas or electric ovens, because they heat from the inside-out versus from the outside-in. They also use less power than gas or electric ovens because they are less wattage.

There are so many microwave meals and options out there. I use the microwave for some meals, but mostly to reheat leftovers. I am careful to make sure all the plastic I use is microwave safe, but I mostly use glass bowls in the microwave. I also use the Pampered Chef® steam bowls for vegetables almost every day.

Electric ovens take so long to preheat. When you factor in how long it actually takes your meal to cook, you are looking at 45 minutes to an hour after preparation before you can eat your meal. I work until 5:30 each weekday, so the thought of spending 60-90 minutes after work each day getting dinner on the table is the last thing I want to do. I solve this problem by getting takeout a couple times a week.